From Smoothies to Curries: 3 Tasty Ways to Eat More Spinach
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Time to Read: 8 min
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, packed with iron, vitamins, and antioxidants—yet many of us struggle to use it before it wilts in the fridge. Instead of letting this powerhouse green go to waste, here are three easy and delicious ways to use spinach in your meals throughout the week.
From a refreshing green smoothie for breakfast to a protein-packed salad for lunch and a hearty lentil curry for dinner, these recipes are simple, healthy, and family-friendly.
They also pair perfectly with Ahimsa’s stainless steel dishes, helping you serve meals in a way that’s safe for kids and aligned with a low-tox, sustainable lifestyle.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
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Why Eat More Spinach? The Health Benefits
High in Iron & Vitamins – Helps support energy levels and immune health
Rich in Fiber – Promotes digestion and gut health
Versatile & Budget-Friendly – Can be used fresh or cooked in countless ways
Perfect for Kids & Picky Eaters – Blends seamlessly into meals for a hidden boost of nutrition
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, light lunch, or hearty dinner , these three spinach recipes will help you get the most out of this superfood while keeping mealtime exciting and stress-free.
1. Spinach Green Smoothie (Perfect for Breakfast)
Starting your day with a green smoothie is an easy way to pack in vitamins, fiber, and natural energy—without the taste of greens overpowering your drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra fiber)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
- Blend everything together. Add spinach, banana, berries, almond milk, chia seeds, and honey into a blender.
- Process until smooth. Blend for about 30-60 seconds until creamy.
- Serve & enjoy! Pour into a glass or Ahimsa stainless steel cups and enjoy this refreshing, nutrient-packed start to your day.
Serving Tip: Pair your smoothie with whole grain toast and nut butter for a well-balanced breakfast.
2. Spinach & Chickpea Salad (Perfect for Lunch)
5 Minutes
5 Minutes
2-3
Snack
A protein-rich, fiber-filled salad that’s light yet satisfying—perfect for busy days when you need something quick, fresh, and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients. Rinse and drain chickpeas, slice cucumber and red onion.
- Toss everything together. In a large bowl, mix spinach, chickpeas, cucumber, and red onion.
- Dress the salad. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & enjoy!
Serving Tip: Plate this salad on Ahimsa’s stainless steel plates, balancing it with a side of whole-grain pita and hummus for a complete meal.
Mealtime Essentials
3. Spinach & Mushroom Lentil Curry (Perfect for Dinner)
For a warm, comforting dinner, this spinach and lentil curry is loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor—making it a perfect vegetarian meal for the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown, cooked)1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oilSalt to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the lentils. Prepare according to package instructions and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add seasonings & coconut milk. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Incorporate the spinach & lentils. Add cooked lentils and fresh spinach, cooking for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve & enjoy! Plate onto Ahimsa’s stainless steel dishes, balancing it with a side of brown rice or warm naan.
Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cooking with Spinach
How do I store fresh spinach so it doesn’t wilt?
Keep it in a breathable container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Can I freeze spinach for later use?
Yes! Freeze washed and chopped spinach in zip-top bags for smoothies or soups.
Is it better to eat spinach raw or cooked?
Both are great! Raw spinach retains vitamin C, while cooked spinach helps absorb iron more efficiently.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying a Week of Nutritious, Balanced Meals with Spinach
By incorporating spinach into breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can easily boost your family’s nutrition without extra effort. Whether blended into a refreshing smoothie, tossed into a protein-packed salad, or cooked into a hearty curry, spinach is one of the easiest and most versatile greens to include in your meals.
This Earth Month, take it a step further by serving your meals using Ahimsa’s stainless steel dinnerware, made from 100% non-toxic, sustainable stainless steel, helping you create a healthier home for your family and a cleaner planet for future generations.
💡 Want more easy, family-friendly recipes? Follow The Pediatrician Kitchen for weekly meal ideas and pediatrician-approved feeding tips!
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
